Registering with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) as a freelancer
Updated on 3 August 2026 · 5 min read
Registering with the KVK is the official start of your business in the Netherlands, and it is less daunting than it sounds: well prepared, you are through it in half an hour. Here is what to decide beforehand, how the appointment works, and what happens next.
Before your appointment: three decisions
Your business name. It may not mislead or closely resemble an existing name in your field and region. Check it in the trade register on kvk.nl; using your own name is always allowed.
Your legal form. For nearly every starting freelancer that is the eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship): no starting capital, light obligations, and access to entrepreneur deductions. The downside is personal liability for business debts; for most service providers that only outweighs the cost of a bv at serious financial risk.
Your activity. The KVK records what your business does and assigns an SBI code. Describe your work broadly enough to cover jobs just outside your core activity; insurers and banks look at this code.
The appointment and the fee
Registration comes in two parts: fill in the form online at kvk.nl, then visit a KVK office to verify your identity. You can book the appointment and complete it in English, and kvk.nl has extensive English-language information for international starters. Bring a valid ID and, if you rent business premises, the lease. You pay a one-off registration fee; the current amount is on kvk.nl.
What you get, and what follows
After the appointment you immediately have your KVK number and you can start invoicing. The KVK passes your details to the tax authority, which sends your VAT id and turnover tax number by post, usually within two weeks. The difference between those numbers is explained in the guide on VAT id, KVK number and ob-nummer. No separate registration with the tax authority is needed.
First steps afterwards
- Open a business bank account, or at least a separate account. See the guide on the business bank account.
- Set up your records before receipts pile up: see setting up your records.
- Work out your hourly rate with the hourly rate calculator.
- Put your VAT id and KVK number on your invoices and website as soon as they arrive.
What Finq does here
Finq is for the day after registration: enter your KVK number and VAT id once under Settings and send unlimited free invoices and quotes that meet the Dutch requirements. Want to practise while waiting for your VAT id? Use the free invoice tool, no account needed.